Helena Dolby for Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust
Enable healthy communities
Right now in the UK, poor quality living conditions are damaging people's health and cutting lives short. It is the most disadvantaged and the most vulnerable who are bearing the brunt of this situation. Those living in the most deprived areas are ten times less likely to live in the greenest areas. More than one third of the population - nearly 9.5 million households in England – are unable to access green places near their home. The current situation is unfair – but it does not have to be like this.
Improving access to natural, wildlife-rich places where we live, learn and work will transform people’s lives, improving health, happiness, and hope across communities. To bring about healthy and sustainable communities, we’re calling on all political parties to commit to a cross-Government fund to grow community-based health services.
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To bring about healthy and sustainable communities, we’re calling on all political parties to...
Commit to a cross-Government fund to grow community-based health services
The Wildlife Trusts and organisations from creative arts, sport and physical activity sectors have a critical role to play. ‘Social prescribing’ must be integrated into health and social care services in the community. It makes economic sense and has the potential to deliver improved health and well-being at scale. Independent economic analysis has found that Wildlife Trust's health and wellbeing programmes save the NHS money and cut reliance on their stretched resources. One project that tackled loneliness and isolation in older people could deliver cost savings to the NHS of £100 million benefiting the health and wellbeing of 1.2 million people.
Helena Dolby for Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust
A Right to a Healthy Natural Environment
Access to a clean and healthy environment is a basic human right that should be guaranteed through law. Doing this would protect nature, improve people’s physical health, and improve mental wellbeing by reducing feelings of eco-anxiety. Local Authorities should be empowered to work alongside communities, to address inequalities in access to natural spaces in their local areas.
Wild PE lesson with Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust (Helena Dolby)
Give every child the best start in life
Every child has the right to learn in and about nature. Taking learning outdoors benefits children’s mental health and develops a deeper appreciation for the environment and their role in protecting it. Building a lasting connection with nature in childhood shapes our adult lives and attitudes towards wildlife, climate change, and how we choose to live. New statutory guidance to deliver learning outdoors for all can ensure our schools support happier, more confident children who understand their impact on our natural world.
